Temporary viewing platforms

ABSTRACT

A modular construction kit adapted to construct both a hexagonal and an elongate linear shaped horizontal free-standing temporary viewing platform and combinations thereof, the modular construction kit comprising a plurality of components adapted to be attachable and detachable from each other whereby the temporary viewing platform can be readily constructed and taken apart, the plurality of components comprising: 
     a plurality of support legs, each support leg being at least six feet long; 
     a plurality of floor plates, comprising at least six floor plates having an equilateral triangular shape or an isosceles trapezoid shape; 
     a plurality of handrail elements adapted to be mounted around a circumference of the temporary viewing platform for preventing a user from falling over an edge of the temporary viewing platform; and 
     at least one stair frame adapted to be mounted to the temporary viewing platform whereby a user can climb the stair frame to access the temporary viewing platform.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to temporary viewing platforms and modularconstruction kits for construction thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Temporary viewing platforms for the events industry are known in theart. Such temporary viewing platforms are commonly used at festivals,such as music festivals, sporting events, such as horse racing, polo andgolf, and corporate events. Temporary viewing platforms are generallyused for short term events where a permanent structure is not desired.

Temporary viewing platforms are commonly constructed using conventionalscaffolding to support a platform. Alternatively, scaffolding andplatform structures may be provided which have been adapted forconstructing a specific type of structure such as a tiered seatingstructure as described, for example, in FR2585752.

One problem with many such structures is that the supporting scaffoldingforms a cross-linked supporting structure, or at least a dense field ofvertical supporting legs, which cannot readily be walked through. Assuch, any temporary viewing platform constructed using these prior artarrangements provides a raised viewing platform at the expense ofrendering useless the area underneath the viewing platform. Furthermore,such structures provide an obstacle to the flow of people at groundlevel which is problematic for events at which large crowds of peopleare present.

Another problem with some prior art arrangements stems from the factthat they are either adapted for one specific type or shape of structureor alternatively are not adapted for any particular type or shape ofstructure. The problem with systems which are not adapted for anyparticular type or shape of structure is that they are usually difficultand time consuming to construct into a desired structure. Conversely,the problem with systems which are specifically adapted for a particulartype or shape of structure is that they do not provide much in the wayof flexibility for providing different types and shapes of structure asdesired. For example, for certain uses an elongate linear viewingplatform may be desired, e.g. for a stage. For other uses a non-elongateviewing platform may be desired, e.g. to view out in all directions froma specific location. The required type or shape of final structure mayalso be determined by the space available and the contours of the landon which the temporary viewing platform is to be constructed.

Another problem with some arrangements is that they are adapted to bemounted to another structure such as a side of a building rather thanbeing free-standing.

Yet another problem with some prior art arrangements is that they arenot aesthetically pleasing, at least from certain angles. For example,supporting scaffolding is often visible from at least a rear side of atemporary viewing structure which is unsightly and undesirable,particularly at exclusive events.

Embodiments of the present invention aim to solve the aforementionedproblems. In particular, it is an aim of certain embodiments of thepresent invention to provide a modular construction kit which is readilytransportable, quick and easy to construct into a free-standingtemporary viewing platform, and easy to take apart thereafter forfurther transport and re-use. It is a further aim to provide a modularconstruction kit which is adapted to construct a specific range of typesand shapes of free-standing temporary viewing platform, and to providefree-standing temporary viewing platforms which can be readily walkedunder by people at ground level and which are aesthetically pleasingfrom all angles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Having identified the previously described problems associated withvarious prior art arrangements for temporary viewing platforms, thepresent applicant has developed a modular construction kit which solvesall these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided amodular construction kit adapted to construct both a hexagonal and anelongate linear shaped horizontal free-standing temporary viewingplatform and combinations thereof, the modular construction kitcomprising a plurality of components adapted to be attachable anddetachable from each other whereby the temporary viewing platform can bereadily constructed and taken apart, the plurality of componentscomprising:

-   -   a plurality of support legs, each support leg being at least six        feet (1.829 meters) long;    -   a plurality of floor plates, comprising at least six floor        plates having an equilateral triangular shape or an isosceles        trapezoid shape;    -   a plurality of handrail elements adapted to be mounted around a        circumference of the temporary viewing platform for preventing a        user from falling over an edge of the temporary viewing        platform; and    -   at least one stair frame adapted to be mounted to the temporary        viewing platform whereby a user can climb the stair frame to        access the temporary viewing platform.

The aforementioned modular construction kit is not only capable of butindeed specifically adapted to produce a particular range of types andshapes of free-standing temporary viewing platform, specificallyhexagonal and elongate linear shaped horizontal free-standing viewingplatforms and combinations thereof such as an elongate linear platformwith hexagonal viewing platforms at either end thereof.

By providing a modular construction kit which is adapted to form aspecific range of types and shapes of free-standing temporary viewingplatform, the modular kit is more readily constructed than, for example,systems which are not adapted for any particular type or shape ofstructure. Furthermore, the hexagonal and linear structures provided bythe modular construction kit allows a degree of flexibility that isabsent from systems which are specifically adapted for one particulartype or shape of structure.

An essential feature of the present invention in order to provide thisspecific adaptability is the provision of floor plates which have anequilateral triangular shape and/or an isosceles trapezoid shape. Suchfloor plates are ideally adapted for constructing both hexagonal andlinear shaped viewing platforms.

According to one arrangement, at least six floor plates having anequilateral triangular shape are required to form a hexagonal shapedviewing platform. However, providing only six floor plates having anequilateral triangular shape requires that the floor plates arerelatively large to form a hexagonal shaped viewing platform ofsufficient size. A larger number of smaller triangular floor plates canbe advantageous because it allows for narrow elongate viewing platformsto be readily constructed using the same elements. Furthermore, thesmaller elements are easier to handle during construction and morereadily transportable.

Thus, according to one embodiment at least twenty four floor plateshaving an equilateral triangular shape are provided to form a hexagonalshaped viewing platform, six forming a central hexagonal structure withthe remaining eighteen disposed around the central hexagonal structurein an alternating orientation to form a larger hexagonal structure forthe hexagonal viewing platform.

One problem with this arrangement is that a relatively large number offloor plates are required and all these floor plates must be arrangedand supported to form the viewing platform which can be relatively timeconsuming.

Accordingly, in one particular advantageous embodiment the eighteentriangular floor plates disposed around the central hexagonal structurecan be replaced with six isosceles trapezoids. Each isosceles trapezoidhas a base twice as long as its top with sides of equal length, thesides also being equal in length to the top of the trapezoid. As such,each isosceles trapezoid has an area three times the area of eachcentral equilateral triangular floor plate. Thus the number of floorplates required for a hexagonal viewing platform is reduced from twentyfour to twelve. According to this embodiment the modular constructionkit comprises at least six equilateral triangular floor plates and atleast six isosceles trapezoid floor plates. This has been found to be agood compromise between the required size for the floor plates and therequired number of floor plates to construct viewing platforms having asuitable size. The trapezoid floor plates have also been found to beuseful in forming long thin platforms such as walkways without requiringas many joints as with their triangular shaped counterparts.

Yet another option to further reduce the number of floor plates is toreplace the six central triangular floor plates with a single hexagonalcentral floor plate. According to this embodiment the modularconstruction kit may comprise at least one hexagonal floor plate and atleast six isosceles trapezoid floor plates. The hexagonal floor plateshould have a side length equal to the top of each isosceles trapezoid.Alternatively, the central hexagonal floor plate may be surrounded byeighteen triangular floor plates in order to construct a hexagonalviewing platform.

Yet another option is to use two isosceles trapezoid floor plates toform the central hexagonal structure with six further isoscelestrapezoid floor plates disposed around the central hexagonal structure.According to this embodiment the modular construction kit may compriseat least eight isosceles trapezoid floor plates.

According to certain embodiments, the modular construction kit furthercomprises a plurality of floor frame elements which are adapted to becoupled to an upper portion of the support legs in order to form a floorframe which is hexagonal or linear in shape, the floor frame elementsbeing adapted to receive the floor plates when constructed into ahexagonal or linear shape in order to form hexagonal and elongate linearshaped horizontal free-standing viewing platforms and combinationsthereof. The plurality of handrail elements may be adapted to be mountedto the floor frame elements around a circumference of the floor framefor preventing a user from falling over an edge of the temporary viewingplatform. The at least one stair frame may be adapted to be mounted tothe floor frame whereby a user can climb the stair frame to access thetemporary viewing platform.

According to other embodiments the plurality of floor frame elements arenot required. In this case, the floor plates must be adapted to becoupled to each other in order to form a floor structure which is selfsupporting such that a further supporting floor frame structure is notneeded. For example, the floor plates may be adapted so as to beattachable to each other using nuts and bolts, snap-fit typeconnections, or complementary male and female type connections. Whilesuch arrangements increase the complexity of the floor platesthemselves, eliminating the need for the floor frame elements reducesthe overall number of components required for the modular constructionkit. Further still, the weight of the floor structure is reduced.

In the aforementioned arrangements in which no floor frame elements arerequired, the floor plates may be further adapted to receive theplurality of handrail elements around a circumference of the floorstructure for preventing a user from falling over an edge of thetemporary viewing platform. One or more of the floor plates may also beadapted to receive a stair frame whereby a user can climb the stairframe to access the temporary viewing platform.

The modular construction kit is also specifically adapted to provide atemporary free-standing viewing platform which can be readily walkedunder by members of the public. As such, they do not provide an obstacleto the flow of people at ground level which would otherwise beproblematic for events at which large crowds of people are present.Alternatively, the space underneath the temporary free-standing viewingplatform may be used, for example, as a bar or the like.

An essential feature of the present invention in order to ensure thatthe temporary viewing platform can be readily walked under by members ofthe public is the provision of support legs at least 6 feet (1.829meters) long which can be orientated in a vertical direction forsupporting a raised hexagonal or linear platform comprising floor frameelements with triangular floor plates mounted thereto. More preferably,the support legs are at least 7, 8 or 9 feet (2.134, 2.438 or 2.743meters) long. The support legs may be extendable to at least 6, 7, 8 or9 feet (1.829, 2.134, 2.438 or 2.743 meters) in length. For example, thesupport legs may be telescopic. Such telescopic support legs may beadapted to be extendable and fixed at a number of different lengthsaccording to a desired use.

The support legs and the floor frame and/or floor plates must be strongenough such that the platform can be supported with a relative smallnumber of support legs. A dense field of vertical supporting legs mustbe avoided as this would render the space underneath the platformrelatively useless and provide an obstacle to the flow of people atground level. For example, according to one preferred arrangement ahexagonal viewing platform is provided with seven support legs, one ateach point of the hexagon and one in the centre of the hexagon.Preferably the support legs are at least 6 feet (1.829 meters) apart toallow people to walk under the temporary viewing platform without beingunduly impeded by the support legs.

The free-standing temporary viewing platforms of the present inventionare more aesthetically pleasing than previous arrangements using, forexample, conventional scaffolding or the like. The pleasing aestheticquality of the present invention is achieved by providing thecombination of features described previously. The triangular, trapezoid,hexagonal, and linear shaped structural components of the platforms incombination with a relatively disperse supporting structure has beenfound to be particularly aesthetically pleasing.

Embodiments of the present invention can be used to create a widevariety of different temporary viewing platform structures comprisinghexagonal decks, elongate linear stages, and combinations thereof. Thisis advantageous when compared with prior art systems which are notadapted to produce any specific type/shape of structure or are adaptedto form a single structure or variants of the single structure such as ashorter or longer stage of the same shape. The components of the presentmodular construction kit are adapted to be readily attached and takenapart in order to allow easy construction and transportation which isrequired for such temporary structures as opposed to more permanentbuilding structures. For example, the components may be adapted so as tobe attachable using nuts and bolts, snap-fit type connections, orcomplementary male and female type connections rather than using, forexample, nails, screws, welds, adhesive or cement as in more permanentconstructions.

If present, the floor frame elements are preferably elongate elementswith a plurality of joining points along their length such that theelements can be joined in an array of different combinations ofhexagonal and linear shaped platform configurations. The floor frameelements may also comprise one or more holes therethrough in order toprovide elements which are lighter in weight for ease of constructionand support on the support legs. An elongate beam having a number ofopenings therein with cross connections in order to strengthen the beamprovides an ideal floor frame element which is both light and strong andwhich can form a floor frame structure which can be supported by arelatively small number of support legs. Each of the floor frameelements is preferably a beam having a length which is a multiple n ofthe length of the sides of the equilateral triangular floor plates, nbeing an integer greater than or equal to 1. The plurality of floorframe elements may comprise a first set of beams comprising at leasttwelve beams of equal length for constructing a hexagonal floor framecomprising six side beams and six radial beams. The plurality of floorframe elements may further comprise a second set of beams comprising atleast six beams of equal length which are shorter than the beams of thefirst set for constructing a hexagonal ring of cross beams within thehexagonal floor frame. The beams of the second set are preferablyshorter than the beams of the first set by an amount equal to the lengthof the sides of the equilateral triangular floor plates. The pluralityof floor frame elements may also comprise a third set of beamscomprising at least six beams of equal length which are shorter than thebeams of the second set for constructing a hexagonal ring of cross beamswithin the hexagonal floor frame. The third set of beams is preferablyshorter than the second set of beams by an amount equal to the length ofthe sides of the equilateral triangular floor plates. Each of the beamsmay comprise a raised ridge extending along a centre of an upper sidethereof for receiving and aligning the equilateral triangular floorplates. According to one preferred arrangement the beams have anI-shaped cross-section.

Components of the modular construction kit may be made of metal, wood,carbon fibre, glass fibre or any combination thereof. Metalliccomponents may be made of steel, iron, or aluminium. If metal componentsare used, aluminium is preferred due to its strength and light weightalthough this material is more expensive than steel or iron. As such,for certain low cost products, steel or iron may be preferred.

A particular preferred material for components of the present modularconstruction kit is a composite comprising a mixture of carbon and glassfibre. This material has been found to be strong enough for the presentinvention whilst also being very low weight (lower weight thanaluminium). At the same time, it has been found that it is cheaper tomanufacture the components of the present modular construction kit usingsuch a composite material rather than, for example, aluminium. Thepresent applicant has found that techniques used for constructing boatsusing carbon and glass fibre composites can readily be utilized forconstructing the components of the present modular construction kit.These techniques can be used for manufacturing any or all of the majorcomponents of the construction kit. For example, one particularlypreferred technique for the support legs is to form them of a carbon andglass fibre composite in which the fibres are wound to increase thestrength of the legs.

According to another aspect of the present invention the previouslydescribed modular construction kit is used to construct a free-standingtemporary viewing platform comprising a hexagonal viewing platform, anelongate linear viewing platform, or a combination thereof.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afree-standing temporary viewing platform constructed using thepreviously described modular construction kit and comprising a hexagonalviewing platform, an elongate linear viewing platform, or a combinationthereof.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a connector for the previously described modular constructionkit, the connector comprising two complementary parts: a first partcomprising a plate having a protrusion extending from a side thereof anda hole disposed over, and spaced apart from, the protrusion; and asecond part comprising a plate having a complementary hook for engagingthe protrusion of the first part and a hole disposed over, and spacedapart from, the hook, whereby when the hook is engaged with theprotrusion it forms a rotatable linkage which can be rotated to alignthe holes in the first and second parts such that a pin can be insertedthrough the first and second parts to couple the first and second partsin a fixed orientation.

In accordance with one embodiment of the connector, the first partcomprises six plates extending radially outwards from a centralconnection at 60° angles. Such a connector may be disposed at the centreof a hexagonal viewing platform for connecting radial beams of the floorframe. The central connection may be formed by a central support leg ormay be mounted to a central support leg.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a twisted, or so called trapezoidal spiral, staircase. Thestaircase comprises opposing straight side panels which are evenlyspaced apart with a plurality of steps disposed therebetween. Thestraight side panels are inclined at different angles relative to eachother such that the staircase has a twisted, or so called trapezoidalspiral, arrangement which differs from both the standard straightstaircase, in which the side panels are inclined at the same angle, andthe standard curved spiral staircase, in which the side panels arecurved. The twisted, trapezoidal spiral, staircase arrangement has beenfound to be advantageous over standard straight or curved spiralstaircases. The trapezoidal spiral stair fits into a viewing platformsnatural shape and forms a simple spiral design which can be incorporatedinside the viewing platform structure. Furthermore, the trapezoid stairdesign strengthens the viewing platform structure. The trapezoid stairdesign also provides a more open structure when compared to, forexample, a standard curved spiral staircase, to allow better crowd flowaround and under the structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in further detail by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1 to 8 show various free-standing temporary viewing platforms inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 9 to 15 show technical drawings illustrating various components ofa modular construction kit in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 16 to 18 show schematic drawings of a connector for connectingcomponents of the modular construction kit;

FIG. 19 shows the method steps involved in constructing a hexagonalfree-standing temporary viewing platform in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 20 to 22 show various views of a triangular steps construction foraccessing a hexagonal free-standing temporary viewing platform inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 shows an alternative embodiment of a free-standing temporaryviewing platform in which both triangular and trapezoid floor plates areutilized and no floor frame elements are required;

FIG. 24 shows technical drawings illustrating various components of amodular construction kit for constructing the free-standing temporaryviewing platform shown in FIG. 23;

FIGS. 25 to 29 show various views of a twisted, or so called trapezoidalspiral, staircase arrangement according to another aspect of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 30 shows an embodiment of a free-standing temporary viewingplatform in which both straight and trapezoidal spiral staircases aredisposed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 22 show embodiments comprising triangular floor plates andfloor frame elements for supporting the floor plates.

FIG. 1 shows a hexagonal free-standing temporary viewing platform inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The two peopleillustrated in FIG. 1 are approximately 6 feet (1.829 meters) high andthus it is evident that the viewing platform is approximately 8 to 9feet (2.438 to 2.743 meters) in height in order to ensure people canreadily walk beneath the viewing platform.

FIG. 2 shows the same hexagonal free-standing temporary viewing platformas illustrated in FIG. 1 but with an ornate covering made of fabric orplastic material. The covering functions to protect viewers from rainand/or sunshine and/or for providing surfaces on which advertisementsand the like can be disposed. The covering is removably attachable tothe viewing platform such that different coverings can be used accordingto a desired use. Attachment points for the covering can be provided onthe hand rail elements, the support legs, and/or the stair frame.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention comprising twohexagonal type viewing platforms joined together.

FIG. 4 shows yet another embodiment comprising three hexagonal typeviewing platforms joined together. Also illustrated in this embodimentis an opening provided in the viewing platform for accommodating anobstruction, in this case a tree. The opening is provided simple bybuilding the floor frame around the obstruction and not covering aportion of the floor frame with triangular floor plates.

FIG. 5 shows a multi-level arrangement in which the viewing platform hasbeen expanded in both the vertical and horizontal directions. In thiscase, a first hexagonal viewing platform has a second hexagonal viewingplatform attached to a side thereof in a horizontal direction and athird hexagonal viewing platform mounted thereover in a verticaldirection.

FIG. 6 illustrates a further multi-level arrangement forming apagoda-like structure. Such pagoda-like structures may be provided toreflect an oriental sponsor or theme.

FIG. 7 shows various single level viewing platform arrangements whichmay be constructed using the modular construction kit of the presentinvention. FIG. 8 shows various multi-level viewing platformarrangements which may be constructed using the modular construction kitof the present invention.

FIGS. 9 to 15 show technical drawings illustrating the individualcomponents of a modular construction kit in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention and how these components areconnected together in order to form a temporary viewing platform. Itwill be understood that the detailed configuration of the individualcomponents and connections may take various forms. However, there aresome generally preferred structural configurations for the componentswhich may be applicable to a number of different embodiments. Forexample, the floor frame of a hexagonal viewing platform preferablycomprises radial beams extending from a central point of the hexagonalstructure and cross beams extending between the radial beams asillustrated in FIG. 9. The radial beams are preferably attachable to anupper portion of a central support leg. The cross beams between theradial beams function to strengthen the floor frame structure and alsoprovide mounting points for mounting the triangular floor platesthereon. Preferably, the cross beams also form a hexagonal shaped ringstructure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, it can be seen thereare two inner hexagonal shaped rings of cross beams in addition to thebeams forming the outer edge of the hexagonal platform. For ease ofconstruction, it is preferred that the triangular floor plates aresmaller in size than the six triangular shaped areas defined by theradial beams of the floor frame. For example, in the embodimentillustrated in the technical drawings, nine floor plates are providedfor each of the six triangular areas defined by the radial beams of thefloor frame. This number and size of floor plates is complementary withthe number and position of the cross beams for mounting the floor platesthereon. In particular, the distance between parallel cross beams issubstantially equal to the height of the triangular floor plates suchthat rows of triangular floor plates can be mounted between each set ofparallel cross beams. Of course, six larger triangular floor platescould be provided in order to cover the entire hexagonal platformillustrated in FIG. 9. However, providing smaller triangular floorplates as illustrated in FIG. 9 can be advantageous because it allowsfor narrow elongate viewing platforms to be readily constructed usingthe same elements. Furthermore, the smaller elements are easier tohandle during construction and more readily transportable.Alternatively, or additionally, in order to make the triangular floorplates lighter they may be made of a meshed structure rather than asolid plate. The triangular floor plates may be made of a combination ofmaterials such as a metallic (e.g. aluminium) supporting structure, atriangular plastic and/or wood floor piece, and optionally a fine woodfinish thereover to make the floor look ascetically pleasing.

FIGS. 16 to 18 show schematic drawings of a connector for connectingcomponents of the modular construction kit. The connector comprises twocomplementary parts which fit together to form a connection. A firstpart comprises a plate having a protrusion extending from a side thereofand a hole disposed over, and spaced apart from, the protrusion. Thesecond part comprises a plate having a complementary hook for engagingthe protrusion of the first part and a hole disposed over, and spacedapart from, the hook. When the hook is engaged with the protrusion itforms a rotatable linkage which can be rotated to align the holes in thefirst and second parts such that a pin can be inserted through the firstand second parts to couple the first and second parts in a fixedorientation.

The connector is advantageous because it allows components of themodular construction kit to be joined together initially in a flexiblemanner with the rotatable hook and protrusion connection. This initialrotatable connection aids in lifting the components when constructingthe raised platform before fixing the connection by aligning the holesand pinning the two parts of the connector together in a fixedorientation.

The first part may comprise six plates extending radially outwards froma central connection at 60° angles as shown in the top right corner ofFIG. 16. Such a connector may be disposed at the centre of a hexagonalviewing platform for connecting radial beams of the floor frame as shownin the top right corner of FIG. 18. The central connection may be formedby a central support leg or may be mounted to a central support leg.

Alternatively, the connector may comprise a T-shaped first part as shownmore centrally in FIG. 16. The back plate of this T-shaped part may beadapted for connection to a beam of the floor frame. For example, theback plate may be inserted within a side opening of a floor frame beamhaving an I-shaped cross-section as illustrated in FIG. 17 and the lefthand side of FIG. 18.

The modular construction kit preferably comprises both theaforementioned connector types. It will be understood that theprotrusion and hook of the two connector parts may be interchangedbetween the two parts while still retaining the same functionality.

FIG. 19 shows the method steps involved in constructing a hexagonalfree-standing temporary viewing platform in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

Finally, FIGS. 20 to 22 show various views of a triangular stepsconstruction for accessing a hexagonal free-standing temporary viewingplatform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Ascan be seen from the Figures, the steps comprise three sets (flights) ofstairs arranged at approximately 60° angles relative to each other suchthat the stairs have an approximately triangular shape when viewed fromabove. This triangular arrangement for the stairs follows the triangulartheme of the floor plates and is aesthetically pleasing. In addition, itprovides a compact arrangement and may provide intermediate view sitesbetween each flight of stairs.

FIG. 23 shows an alternative embodiment of a free-standing temporaryviewing platform in which both triangular and trapezoid floor plates areutilized and no floor frame elements are required. In this case, thefloor plates are adapted to be coupled to each other in order to form afloor structure which is self supporting such that a further supportingfloor frame structure is not needed. The floor structure comprises sixequilateral triangular floor plates forming a central hexagonal portionwhich is surrounded by six floor plates having an isosceles trapezoidalshape.

FIG. 24 shows technical drawings illustrating various components of amodular construction kit for constructing the free-standing temporaryviewing platform shown in FIG. 23.

FIGS. 25 to 29 show various views of a twisted, or so called trapezoidalspiral, staircase arrangement according to another aspect of the presentinvention while FIG. 30 shows an embodiment of a free-standing temporaryviewing platform in which both straight and trapezoidal spiralstaircases are disposed.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims.

1. A modular construction kit adapted to construct both a hexagonal andan elongate linear shaped horizontal free-standing temporary viewingplatform and combinations thereof, the modular construction kitcomprising a plurality of components adapted to be attachable anddetachable from each other whereby the temporary viewing platform can bereadily constructed and taken apart, the plurality of componentscomprising: a plurality of support legs, each support leg being at leastsix feet (1.829 meters) long; a plurality of floor plates, comprising atleast six floor plates having an equilateral triangular shape or anisosceles trapezoid shape; a plurality of handrail elements adapted tobe mounted around a circumference of the temporary viewing platform forpreventing a user from falling over an edge of the temporary viewingplatform; and at least one stair frame adapted to be mounted to thetemporary viewing platform whereby a user can climb the stair frame toaccess the temporary viewing platform.
 2. A modular construction kitaccording to claim 1, wherein the plurality of floor plates comprises atleast twenty four floor plates having an equilateral triangular shape.3. A modular construction kit according to claim 1, wherein theplurality of floor plates comprises at least six floor plates having anequilateral triangular shape and at least six floor plates having anisosceles trapezoid shape.
 4. A modular construction kit according toclaim 1, wherein the plurality of floor plates comprises at least eightfloor plates having an isosceles trapezoid shape.
 5. A modularconstruction kit according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of floorplates further comprises at least one floor plate having a hexagonalshape.
 6. A modular construction kit according to claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of floor frame elements adapted to be coupled toan upper portion of the support legs, in order to form a floor framewhich can be hexagonal or linear in shape, the floor frame elementsbeing adapted to receive the floor plates when constructed into a floorframe and the plurality of handrail elements being adapted to be mountedto the floor frame elements around a circumference of the floor frame.7. A modular construction kit according to claim 6, wherein each of thefloor frame elements is a beam having a length which is a multiple n ofthe length of a side of the floor plates, n being an integer greaterthan or equal to
 1. 8. A modular construction kit according to claim 6,wherein the plurality of floor frame elements comprises a first set ofbeams comprising at least twelve beams of equal length for constructinga hexagonal floor frame comprising six side beams and six radial beams.9. A modular construction kit according to claim 8, wherein theplurality of floor frame elements further comprises a second set ofbeams comprising at least six beams of equal length which are shorterthan the beams of the first set for constructing a hexagonal ring ofcross beams within the hexagonal floor frame.
 10. A modular constructionkit according to claim 9, wherein the beams of the second set areshorter than the beams of the first set by an amount equal to the lengthof a side of the floor plates.
 11. A modular construction kit accordingto claim 9, wherein the plurality of floor frame elements furthercomprises a third set of beams comprising at least six beams of equallength which are shorter than the beams of the second set forconstructing a hexagonal ring of cross beams within the hexagonal floorframe.
 12. A modular construction kit according to claim 11, wherein thethird set of beams are shorter than the second set of beams by an amountequal to the length of the sides of the equilateral triangular floorplates.
 13. A modular construction kit according to claim 6, whereineach of the floor frame elements is a beam comprising a raised ridgeextending along a centre of an upper side thereof for receiving andaligning the equilateral triangular floor plates.
 14. A modularconstruction kit according to claim 6, wherein each of the floor frameelements is a beam comprising a plurality of holes therethrough.
 15. Amodular construction kit according to claim 6, wherein each of the floorframe elements is a beam having an I-shaped cross-section.
 16. A modularconstruction kit according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of floorframe elements comprise a plurality of elongate beams.
 17. A modularconstruction kit according to claim 6, further comprising a connectorfor connecting the plurality of floor frame elements in order to formthe floor frame, the connector comprising two complementary parts: afirst part comprising a plate having a protrusion extending from a sidethereof and a hole disposed over, and spaced apart from, the protrusion;and a second part comprising a plate having a complementary hook forengaging the protrusion of the first part and a hole disposed over, andspaced apart from, the hook, whereby when the hook is engaged with theprotrusion it forms a rotatable linkage which can be rotated to alignthe holes in the first and second parts such that a pin can be insertedthrough the first and second parts to couple the first and second partsin a fixed orientation.
 18. A modular construction kit according toclaim 17, wherein the first or second part of the connector comprisessix plates extending radially outwards from a central connection at 60°angles.
 19. A modular construction kit according to claim 18, whereinthe first or second part of the connector comprises a back plate forminga T-shaped connector part.
 20. A modular construction kit according toclaim 1, wherein the floor plates are adapted to be coupled to eachother in order to form a floor structure which is self supportingwhereby a further supporting floor frame structure is not needed.
 21. Amodular construction kit according to claim 20, wherein the floor platesare adapted to be coupled to each other using nuts and bolts, snap-fittype connections, or complementary male and female type connections. 22.A modular construction kit according to claim 1 or 6, wherein thesupport legs are at least 7, 8 or 9 feet (2.134, 2.438 or 2.743 meters)long.
 23. A modular construction kit according to claim 1 or 6, whereinthe support legs are extendable to at least 6, 7, 8 or 9 feet (1.829,2.134, 2.438 or 2.743 meters) in length.
 24. A modular construction kitaccording to claim 1 or 6, wherein at least some components of themodular construction kit are made of a composite comprising a mixture ofcarbon and glass fibre.
 25. (canceled)
 26. A free-standing temporaryviewing platform constructed using the modular construction kitaccording to claims 1 or 6, comprising a hexagonal viewing platform, anelongate linear viewing platform, or a combination thereof.
 27. Afree-standing temporary viewing platform according to claim 26, whereinthe support legs are spaced at least 6 feet apart.